Student Spotlight: Mason Cannady

Noblesville Student Earns Eagle Scout Rank

Writer  /  Matt Keating

When Mason Cannady, an eighth-grader at Noblesville West Middle School sets out to accomplish a goal, he succeeds.

Cannady recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13, making him one of the youngest kids to do so in the 36-year history of his Troop 183. He earned his Eagle Scout rank on December 18.

“I’ve always been motivated to do my best, so I worked hard and set smaller goals for myself along the way so that the task didn’t seem so big,” Cannady says. “I was also motivated because I wanted to attend some high-adventure scouting events that required you to be at a certain rank. I was also motivated by my family tradition. I am the 18th Eagle Scout in my family, across at least three generations.”

For his Eagle project, Cannady conducted a pet food and toy drive. He also built an agility course to support the Humane Society for Hamilton County.

“I was able to collect more than 450 pounds of dog and cat food and almost 300 toys as well as other miscellaneous items,” Cannady says. “We made a portable agility course that included jumps, weave poles, a tire jump, a teeter-totter and a pause table. I also raised enough funds to purchase a tunnel.”

Cannady noted that since the agility course is portable, the Humane Society can also use it at their new facility when they move there in the future.

“Leading an Eagle project that benefits the community is a requirement to earn the Eagle rank,” Cannady says.

Cannady initially started volunteering at The Humane Society for Hamilton County as part of a requirement for Citizenship in the Community merit badge.

“After I completed this merit badge, I continued to volunteer for the Humane Society, and this inspired me to do something for the Humane Society for my Eagle project,” Cannady says. “Community service is a big part of the Scouts. I have helped with community projects such as the White River project, the Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County Holiday Assistance program and many other projects. I’m also a member of the National Junior Honor Society at Noblesville West Middle School, where we also do service for the community.”

When he’s not busy with the Scouts or the National Junior Honor Society, Cannady is playing his violin.

“I have played the violin since the second grade,” Cannady says. “I enjoy playing the violin because it is a fun challenge. It’s rewarding to hear how practice pays off with beautiful music. Last year, when I was in seventh grade, I played a ‘group 1’ piece in the Solo and Ensemble Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) Competition, which meant that I was eligible to go to state if I earned a ‘gold’ medal.”

Cannady earned a gold medal at ISSMA and then received a “gold with distinction” at the State ISSMA competition.

“I look forward to attending ISSMA again this year,” Cannady says. “ I am also a member of the New World Youth Orchestra. This is my fourth year playing for this organization with many other talented musicians from around Indiana.”

Cannady encourages younger students to join the Boy Scouts.

“I would tell a younger student to join Boy Scouts because it is really fun,” Cannady says. “You get to participate in a lot of activities that you wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to experience otherwise. Some of the fun activities I have been able to do with scouting include camping, canoeing, white water rafting, scuba diving and ropes courses. There is something in scouting for everyone.”